Evolving concepts of cerebrospinal fluid physiology.

This article reviews the basic known functions of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The traditional concepts of CSF production and absorption are reviewed and recent challenges to these concepts are discussed. MR imaging studies have begun to elucidate the complex interaction between pulsatile CSF movement, bulk CSF flow, and intracranial compliance. An understanding of a variety of disorders, including hydrocephalus and Chiari malformations, continue to evolve as knowledge of CSF physiology is increased.